THE DRESS, THE VENUE AND THE MENU FOR NIC'S NUPTIALS

Australia is breathlessly awaiting Nicole Kidman's marriage to Country music star Keith Urban. For days the country’s media has been awash with details of the dress, the venue and, of course, the star-studded guest list.

Until last Monday the Oscar-winning actress hadn’t even confirmed that her wedding was imminent. But it was hard to hide the white marquee outside Cardinal Ceretti Memorial Chapel in Sydney’s exclusive Manly Beach suburb, where the nuptials are expected to take place on Sunday.

For a celebrity shindig the celebrations are set to be relatively low-key. Guests have been asked to make charitable donations, instead of giving lavish presents. The day after the wedding Nicole’s family are hosting a traditional Aussie barbecue.

The dress is thought to be a flowing column of chiffon and lace, custom-made for the Cold Mountain star by Balenciaga. And the bill for white orchids is said to top £50,000, with the cake costing £1,500. Australia’s answer to Jamie Oliver, Luke Mangan, has been drafted in to oversee the menu.

Father Paul Coleman, who has met the couple to discuss their marriage, said he had a “good feeling about their chances”.

The priest, who has been a Kidman family friend for 30 years, said Nicole and Keith had a “mature love”, adding: “You’ve got to rely on their maturity and knowledge of each other and I’m impressed.”